4. The Traditional

TRADITIONAL TURKISH HAMMAM

Cost: Dhs495 Length: 45 minutes If you’re a hammam purist, the Talise Ottoman Spa at The Palm Jumeirah’s Zabeel Saray is a very good option. For while the surroundings are incredibly luxe – think an enormous raised Jacuzzi under a spectacular gold chandelier, curtained relaxation areas, possibly a couple of kilometres worth of mosaics and even a snow room – the treatment is of the distinctly old school variety. Take your place on the slab and be prepared for some serious scrubbing – we’re pretty sure our skin squeaked by the end of it. Thankfully, when the abrasion was about to become a little too much, we found ourselves covered in a fluffy, white cloud of soap. Frankly, we’ve still no idea how they managed to make a cloud out of soap, but we’re big fans…

Modesty factor?

Ladies are given throwaway top and pants, but with all the rinsing the top is often down around your waist.